Federer impressed by Kyrgios performances

ROGER Federer offered Nick Kyrgios a stunning compliment on the eve of their mouthwatering showdown at Indian Wells, declaring the enigmatic Australia has finally "arrived” at the top of men's tennis.

Kyrgios set up a quarter-final showdown with his idol Federer after a superb 6-4 7-6 victory over five-time champion Djokovic on Thursday (AEST).

It was the Australian's second win over the Serbian world No.2 in a week - having also triumphed in straight sets in Acapulco - and Federer led a chorus of praise suggesting the fiery youngster was now finally starting to fulfil his potential.

The Swiss great has always been a big fan of Kyrgios, however he's been more conservative in his praise recently amid Kyrgios' many controversies. Federer, though, didn't hold back when asked about the 21-year-old's latest performance.

"(It is) very impressive to beat Novak in back-to-back weeks, basically on Novak's best surface,” Federer said of Kyrgios after the Swiss legend scored an equally impressive straigh-sets win over Rafael Nadal.

Roger Federer has praised Nick Kyrgios.LARRY W. SMITH

"It goes a long way for all the players - not that he needed to prove his point - but I think now he has really arrived on the scene.